Here is James’ “Part 2” to Why We Fight. He wrote this on his recent trip to Kenya. See Why We Fight (Part 1) here.
7. People Need Water!
I spent some time hanging out at the water tank and interacting with people as they filled their water jugs full of CLEAN water. They would laugh giggle and express overwhelming gratitude. Their lives have changed as they now spend 15-30 minutes to gather water that used to take 2-3 hours a day to gather. Imagine the difference 2 hours a day everyday of your life could make. Imagine all the things you could do with that much time.
6. There is dignity in honest work.
44 women have skills and training that allow them to make a good days wages because of the knitting project in Karogoto. These women have a righteous pride in their work and in their ability to earn an income. They have hope, they have dreams, and they have dignity.
5. Today’s children will define Kenya’s future.
We are making a very significant impact in the lives of thousands of children all around Kenya. I had a conversation with the District minister of Education. He is amazed at the difference some painting, teaching, and loving provided by our teams has made on the primary school of Karogoto. The students work harder, they dream bigger, and learn more because of our investment and interaction with them. It is really amazing!
4. A girl named Pity
We spent a few days working with a special needs class at the local school. One day after doing some crafts we were writing the kid’s names on the crafts so they would know what belonged to who. The students have varying degrees of mental and physical retardation so some are unable to speak clearly. As we were seeking the name of one very sweet young girl, the teacher began to spell out her name as one of our team members wrote it on the craft, the teacher called out the letters P-I-T-Y. As we looked at the craft with the word/name Pity scribbled on it I almost broke down. Later one team member commented on his interaction with this girl and the realization that God has a very different name for her; My Beloved! We had the opportunity not to show her Pity, but to show her love and acceptance.
